NEW Norton Commando 961 | First Ride

[@digger8180]

Nice bike, I personally think they need to change the fluid reservoirs on the bars for something a bit better at that price.

[@DanTube2010]

Same as you'd find on a Moto GP bike that costs £100k or more. Always nice to see the fluid is still there when approaching a bend at 180 mph. But, I don't think that situation is going arise on a Commando!

[@Desmo904]

@@DanTube2010 While I agree with you on the MotoGP bike, eh they cost a fair bit more than 100k! lol Try nigh on 1m (with the dev cost of the engines, chassis etc etc.) I personally don't have a problem with those reservoirs. Each to their own I guess. 👍

[@bgilgall]

i agree with you, those plastic see through reservoirs look cheap and nasty. That's purely a cost cutting exercise. Completely out of line for a classic inspired bike regardless of the money they're asking.

[@chriscarbaugh3936]

Rizoma, < £50 each. They could do better!

[@snake_eyes_garage]

Yes I thought that as well - billet reservoirs please.

[@robertlangley1664]

Being a old man now and a old Rocker it fills my heart with joy to see Norton back and especially the Norton commando ,you are buying in to the heritage of British bikes and if I was twenty years younger and had the ⚽️⚽️s yes I would have one GOOD LUCK NORTON

[@daveversion2.2]

Ditto. 69, rocker, ex-Norton owner

[@thomascarpenter7415]

I remember salivating over the Commando 850 back in ‘75 when I was 13 ! Beautiful machine !

[@sgtgrash]

A small point: A well engineered & beautiful machine to behold, somewhat spoiled by the tacky looking brake & clutch reservoirs, not what I would expect at the price...

[@G58]

I read your comment before watching the vid. Now I can’t get the weirdness of those brackets out of my head. Before I decide whether to blame you or Norton, I have to confess that just discovering such tackiness sets alarm bells off in both the engineering and style departments of my brain, and cause me to wonder what other crimes might have been committed. Ultimately, these are, and always will be only ‘Norton’ branded lookalike retro machines that actually have nothing whatsoever to do with the noble old British historic marque. Asked for two words that sum up my initial impression, only sullied and foreign come to mind, with retro fake demanding not to be ignored as options.

[@kutsbothways]

yep. Two warts on that beauty.

[@TornadoCAN99]

Looks like he's taking his urine samples off the the doctor's office.

[@jaybird4915]

Looks like he is carting around 2 cups of piss. Hard to believe someone did it on purpose

[@TornadoCAN99]

@@jaybird4915 Actually, those translucent brake fluid reservoirs are very common on modern bikes for unknown reasons. There are usually "upgrade" solid alu reservoirs available from the factory or aftermarket for crazy $$$.

[@theincrediblesulk5543]

Asking price is a bit rich for rehashed ‘15 bike, with some reliability upgrades, didn’t even give LEDs. Can’t see anyone going for one over a Speed Twin or R9T.

[@davidchampkin5999]

The speed twin is a great machine ,but the 20 pence plastic chain guard needs ditching for a metal one which was on the thruxton R

[@TronciM]

Norton is a very small company in comparison to Triumph, so they need to make as much money as possible. Especially as they use very high quality materials and components.

[@nikos-giorgos]

@@TronciM Except you need to sell something to make money...

[@TronciM]

@@nikos-giorgos there'll be people that'll buy the bikes don't worry about that

[@leecogher6721]

Dogdy bike stand position, 5-speed gearbox, 15-litre fuel tank & no led lights - Triumph have nothing to worry about.

[@andrewelliott4436]

It's the sound that people love.

[@hollowaysteve]

Different market. And fwiw I have the Speed Twin; the LED lights are complete shit and the suspension is the worst I’ve experienced since my ‘76 fizzy. I’ve done the rears and the fronts will be done in the Spring. That’s £1200 to spend on top of the asking price.

[@ianmacree346]

Totally different client base Lee... I agree that a 5 speed box is an oversight, and personally I think the brake reservoirs are too cheap looking for a bike of this price..but let's hope that Norton make a real go of it this time, it's the quality of the bike and obviously reliability which will make or break it... time will tell.

[@Ian-bq7gp]

It's nice, much more sorted now and an honest well run company now. Yes trust and quality is so important and if they are seen to be the opposite of when garner owned it, they will sell like Bonneville's.

[@Ian-bq7gp]

5 speeds enough, simple clocks. Old gearbox on the commando was 4 speed but it suited the bike. The BSA 650 lightning unit construction from early 1970s was 4 speed.

[@debrisbit]

Imagine if they did a bike with slightly cheaper components (not ohlins, not brembos) and charge much closer to the competition? Come on, who really wants the absolute top of the range components on a sub-80 hp air/oil cooled ptwin bike?

[@the.just.able.biker67]

Good point. A decently made budget option to get sales going, then maybe the owners will upgrade to a higher spec model once they've gained some trust in the brand. I reckon sub 10k would attract a lot of interest.

[@nikos-giorgos]

Make that sub-80 hp...

[@user-fn1rb9ze6p]

I thought exactly the same triumoh seem to be able todo it 😊👍

[@asacarrick1440]

Don't buy what you can't afford

[@keithmoore5224]

me thank you not everyones a huligan nice sunday a b roads

[@h2allan]

Do the bikes now have a metal fuel tank ? The plastic ones on previous bikes were prone to expansion and leaked around the fuel pump area... it cost me £1000 for a new tank... Garner n crew dodged the issue... Was the engine any quieter on tickover..? the Garner ones clattered like hell ! How was the bike on the sidestand..? The old stands were too long and many a bike (like mine) fell over because of it !

[@skymningforelsket1302]

Norton did a great job on the styling. It really looks distinctively like a Commando. The only misses for me is the shorty front fender, the headlight should be chrome, and the plastic cup brake reservoir.

[@aussiesam01]

I've owned several commandos in the 70s and 80s. I really wish this one had a 360 degree crank, then it would actually FEEL like a real commando when you ride it. I took one out for a test ride a few years ago and the 270 degree crank just makes it feel like a run of the mill Japanese twin. C'MON Norton.

[@ChrisPlow]

I will be interested to see the build quality changes up close. I had a ‘14 Garner cafe looked great, had bespoke paintwork and other stuff. But had loads of issues with machine casing and bearing tolerances, oil leaks and metal quality. Took it to the IOM rained on way, heads and casings were permanently pitted, pissed out oil, the race team took it back in their van, saw it 6 months later which I guess was better than others who never saw them again. Simon Skinner design assisted that 961 engine and the V4 and in my opinion, both not great, hopefully there are huge improvements in build and quality. Nortons history has always been a tad peculiar. ‘Made in Britain hand built’ still keeps me awake at night. How Garner got a suspended sentence is beyond belief. This bike, nostalgic yes, but has its time passed, luxury doesn’t real spring to mind but maybe you can say otherwise Michael as you have ridden it and seen it up close? Did Mr Gladwell give any info on the V4CR concept and if that will be built soon?

[@scudonepercenter]

That is very good info. Thanks for sharing that V4. That's stuff the mainstream media don't seem to be talking about. Correct me if I'm wrong, please. ML&R to all righteous bikeriders.

[@jamesfairmind2247]

Good point and I would like to see one of these actually properly ridden and reviewed more objectively, by a crew like 44 Teeth maybe .

[@Desmo904]

From everything I've seen and read about the "New" new Norton, they seem to have identified and addressed every single aspect of the old bike that was frankly substandard. Which, can only be for the better! They have invested in proper quality control and I wish them well!

[@grahamtricker4103]

Hardly seems worth it when Triumph are offering such great motorcycles and with all the latest mod cons nicely integrated in their designs. This Norton looks like its 10 years behind...

[@jamesfairmind2247]

@@grahamtricker4103 Hard to argue with that ! I am really disappointed "new Norton" didn't revamp the bike and bring it up to standard whilst maintaining the same style. Wasted opportunity. They should have studied the potential customer base more and noted the very important point, that few owners kept the model for long. Big clue to shortcomings in comfort and usability.

[@allwheeldrive]

Beautifully made, sounds wonderful. It will help sell a lot of RE 650 Interceptors, though! Not quite the boulevard impact, but at, what, 1/3 the cost and 8/10 the performance (and just add $1500 in aftermarket stuff and match the performance), that nostalgic feeling would still be 100% intact. And you wouldn't have to feel guilty for riding the wheels off of it! (Isn't that what motorcycling is all about, then?)

[@jfess1911]

I am old enough to have grown up with the classic Brit Bikes and Japanese air-cooled twins and the RE twins just don't look quite right to me. The Commandos do. Nevertheless, I agree that for someone who likes to get their hands dirty and likes value, the RE twins are an excellent proposition. The Commandos are more for people who have enough money and want this rolling work of art. The upscale suspension and brakes just make the ride more comfortable.

[@ssssssssssama]

From what I know about TVS after owning a RR310, the Commando two iterations down the line should be exponentially better, if not I'd be sorely disappointed

[@rrrripbing]

It would be fantastic if Norton made a proper comeback similar to Triumph's success.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

The company certainly has made large investments in the infrastructure and personnel so far since TVS took over in April 2020, and judging from what I heard at this launch, there are plenty of plans afoot. Cheers, Michael

[@bhoogewerf2823]

If anyone can, it is TVS. This low profile, motorcycle company based out of Chennai, India (not far from the Royal Enfield factory) is the 3rd largest bike manufacture in India. Its core product line is mopeds, e-scooters and motorbikes in the 100-310 cc range. The TVS Apache RR 310 is a hugely popular bike in India and the quality and performance is good enough for it carry the BMW 310GS and G 310R badge. TVS is a conservative but will not shy away from investing in technology, infrastructure (TVS recently acquired Swiss-emobility) and is the best thing to happen to Norton at least in more recent times. I will not be surprised if TVS-Norton manufacture a 500-650cc twin (perhaps in India) to take on the RE Interceptor. Many in India hope they do.

[@RajA-wi2ut]

@@bhoogewerf2823 I am using TVS Apache for 2 years. Great bike with no issues. Also a lot cheaper than BMW 310. Norton is using old designs now but will be re-engineered in a 2-3 years and will compete with Triumph.

[@threepot]

@@RajA-wi2ut and most Triumphs now made in Thailand. Will Norton follow suit??

[@jamesfairmind2247]

It would be great but it will not happen unless they employ some marketing professionals who realise the importance of analysing their potential customer base. For a start they are all now 10 years older than when the 961 was launched and simply cloning the Commando which was a flawed design to start with is reminiscent of the arrogance of the original British motorcycle industry with its 'they can bloody well buy what we make them' rather than the Japanese approach of actually analysing what customers wanted. The high turnover of ownership of the original model is the vital clue that professional marketing analysts would have spotted. That Norton didn't bother to employ any is a really bad sign.

[@jaeger4966]

This brand deserves to live, this is something to be proud of. That is the first bike that makes me want to replace my old air/oil cooled Ducati while all other new bikes seem irrelevant to me. Greetings from France.

[@motorvatedltd8048]

Those slating the brake and clutch reservoirs, saying they look cheap, and unsuited for such an expensive motorcycle....they're the same as found on a Desmosedici.... the brake res pot is also used on the Tamburini t12 Massimo... just two VERY expensive motorcycles from literally hundreds of expensive motorcycles that use the same. Besides, dont any of you want some areas left looking a little standard, so you have the chance to personalise your ride? Why does everyone want things already done for them nowadays?

[@stefansikora5183]

I hope that now as Motorcycle-Giant TVS has taken over, Norton will be back on track. A friend of mine had a 2014 961 and it was a complete desaster. The primary sounded like an anvil in a cement mixer, it smoked like a russian fish trawler and on one occasion he had to limp home in 3rd gear because the gearbox didnt shift any more.... and then the engine blew up. The biggest problem was that the dealers were left alone to deal with all the warranty claims. No spares, no support from the factory, nothing.

[@robinperronjones5024]

What very good news, it had to happen as it’s the icon of the brand, as a Dominator SS owner I would certainly consider adding one to my collection.

[@ianloram2770]

Such a fantastic looking bike and great sounding. Very well done Norton. Can't wait to see other bikes being added into the range.

[@michaelarchangel1163]

I hope this bike proves to be reliable and is a success. The vibration shouldn't be excessive with a {gear driven ?} balancer shaft . I like hydraulic tappets and the low maintenance aspect of both of these setups. We'd need to see a long term review to allay the concerns expressed by owners of the previous iteration of this bike though. My eighteen year old, 30,000 mile Suzuki SV thou looks like a very boring dog's breakfast by comparison but, all in all, has been a pretty good steed, after some suspension and fuelling mods. Wouldn't want to be indulging in those kind of capers with a bike costing £15,000, clearly.

[@haroldshull6848]

A gear driven balancing shaft? Expectations were that it now had a 270 degree crank, not the old 360. Can you comment?

[@pbysome]

​@@haroldshull6848 I thought it had 270/90 degree crank from the off??

[@adaptableadventurerider]

Personally sounds totally wrong to me with that firing order if they had gone for 360 degree it would have made the bike stand out compared to the slew of bikes all using 270, Vibrations and Commando are two words that shouldn't go together in my humble opionion. Being someone that rides a 1967 650SS as a daily rider it's done 4 hard winters now (don't have a car) a 1927 Norton 16H Flat tanker last winter and I've nearly got my 68 Commando back on the road (one of the first 70) after a previous owners mistake (one of the smoothest motorcycles I've ever ridden out of the 28 I've owned) an I've nearly got my 1944 WD16H finished to. Being in my 30s and having had most of the major modern bikes Fireblades gs's etc over the years. I'd prefer to see a Commando around a 750 with the correct 360 degree firing order for the correct British twin sound ditch a ton of weight give it a really comfy all day seat like the original 68's had an make it smooth. Retro doesn't mean it needs to vibe unless you are talking 650ss era bikes even those though set up right are quite smooth at cruising speeds although the original isolastic system Commandos are something else and with a modern electronic ignition easy to kick start and even my mag equipped 650ss starts either first or 2nd kick. I'd love to see a modern 16H say 50hp and under 170kg wet to rival the Himalayan that's affordable as otherwise people my age will just end up on the Enfield's and Bsa's long term the younger riders are the future of motorcycling and more has to be done to get those younger than me onto motorcycles and cost is the most prohibitive factor at 16.5K. Great to see Norton back though. My only slight problem is all the bike press were this positive with the SG era Norton I nearly bought one myself from the original reviews so will take some convincing as over 60% is still the same bike. Be exciting to see what Norton bring out next though!! Looking forward to that. I'd like to see a full list of every part and issue that's been fixed and alot of people I know who bought Donny era 961s are saying the same.

[@moddude101]

This bike is pretty awesome! Good job. Perfect amount of horsepower for this retro. Well worth the price and made in England! TVS is doing this right!

[@johnharvey5338]

I was thinking it should be about 100 bhp from that engine, same power as a MT07 as twice the price, the original was a proper sports bike.

[@jfess1911]

That would require a change to water cooling and the Speed Twin already exists. Even pushing the power a little on an air-cooled engine would require much larger cooling fins and you would end up with a bigger version of the Royal Enfield 650's squat shape. I put this motorcycle in the same class as the W800, a rolling work of art that looks very much like original. The Commando is a considerable step up in performance and ride, though.

[@jontg429]

Nice bike! What it cries out for, and I feel the same way about the Bonneville as well, is genuine looking Lucas headlight shell and lens, and some nice smiths clocks!

[@interestedlen8823]

Joseph Lucas, Prince of Darkness

[@musamohammed2312]

What is a chance of a six speed gearbox and the chance of a water cooled engine

[@ChuckChrome]

Really good review/preview. If I am lucky one day Norton will be back in the United States. I drooled over the Dreer Norton many years ago but was young and broke. The latest version looks to be on a completely different level with regard to fit and finish.

[@diorocks5858]

Was going to buy one as once owed the old school then the Z retro stole my pocket once owned the Zed 1. Will try to save this year to buy the Norton its beautiful.

[@Asbcdefghijklm]

all thanks to Indian Company TVS for reviving the Norton

[@defender1006]

I think that they, TVS, understand the heritage of the Norton name and what it stands or should stand for, after the previous owner using it as 'cash cow'. I had a TVS built BMW '310' and loved it, it was a great bike for the money. Just a shame they've decided not to go ahead with the 650 Atlas twin, seems like I need to look elsewhere?

[@threethrushes]

Came for the bike, stayed for the awkward interview chemistry.

[@robertyork4041]

Fingers crossed that the current management and production will live up to the name.

[@forddriver8827]

I am glad to see some responsible people running this iconic brand for the right reasons.

[@1234567marks]

I rode one back in the garner days, not much power and really bad vibration, wasn’t eager to start either 🤔 Are they now much improved?

[@NudaMan]

Seen a 2015-2016 SE in person a few months ago, might have to get a newer one for the nostalgia

[@greyanaroth]

Also, I get the feeling they need to get the flex going with the initial models and then get the budget models in their fleet to get the pricing right. Just down speccing the suspension and removing all the carbon fiber ought to easily get the price down by a considerable degree. Personally, if I was in the market for a nostalgic retro then I'd be in the right age group to be able to afford and want all the nice bits with a relaxed engine. Sales will tell, but I do think they have a bit of a winner here. All the best Norton!

[@miyumiyu7089]

Please ask Norton why the new iteration does not have a six speed box?

[@kimhorton6109]

I love the technical, mechanical look of the bike. The forks are really cool. The paired gauges speak to the heritage while the dinky hydraulic resivores are cheaper looking than rubber deck shoes. I want a ride,

[@NormanSellen]

When will we see them in New Zealand ??

[@stevehamilton306]

Happy to see Norton come back under honest owners. Wish them success, but really my Speed Twin 1200 I just bought has bigger engine, more power, better tech at a lower price. Suspension I presuming on par with Thruxton RS., which costs less. Premium for the name like BMW or Harley.

[@walterstrahota2956]

Are there any plans for a dealer network in USA?

[@johnmalecki713]

Will it be coming to the States? How much money? I like it.

[@GentielioGaming]

Doesn't your hands gone numb if you drive it more then 20 minutes on a highway? Or didn't you? Not saying that it does that but is suitable for longer rides?

[@williampatience9524]

Thank you for bringing back the baddest bike from the 70s.

[@SSV-i-c-e]

After owning a mk2 then mk3 commando I thought this might be the one to replace my buell s2t which rides and is designed as a very close cousin to the original but this bike will be @ 40k nz and I don't think it's better

[@garyrobinson6247]

Lots of marketing speak but I'm not sure it is special enough to justify the price when there are many modern classics available at a much lower price. It will no doubt have its fans but not sure there will be the sales volume they want and need.

[@oliw3664]

Couldn't agree more.

[@mikeparkin7457]

Still can't get all logos to match - look at engine cases :P

[@pondyellow3286]

When can i buy it in USA?

[@Trevor_Austin]

That is a beautiful, classical bike. It also sounds great. I hope it does well. ps. Who else thought that overtake at 9:11 was a bit naughty?

[@mitchsmith71]

Surprised it made it into the final cut 😲

[@philmarwood69]

Be nice to see something bigger that could maybe tour ? Cafe racer is nice for day trips or commuting but they really need to diversify if they want to avoid liquidation again.

[@brianperry]

Love the look of the Cafe racer, reminds me of my Triton days..If younger l'd buy one but alas my days of Cafe Racers are over so the standard Bike will suffice. It would be great to see the company a success

[@SPSteve]

Love the black SP but I think the brake reservoirs need to be changed to make them less conspicuous. I like the bike but for that money I'd get a Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello.

[@checker3694]

Agree 100% and brake fluid bottles look like Urine samples, v100 has tinted ones that look more premuim

[@SPSteve]

@@checker3694 the Commando is a good looking bike though, just a lot of money for what you get.

[@checker3694]

@@SPSteve It shows you what Norton think of the buying public, when they pawn of the same bike from over 10 years ago, with its 35 invisible changes ,I think based on this bike they are doomed sadly. Scrap the pointless ohlins, and put quality sundries on the bike, and bin the £25 aliexpress mirrors

[@SPSteve]

@@checker3694 yes the Ohlins are wasted on that bike but they do look amazing. Same with the front dual disks, unnecessary but they look amazing. The 5 speed gear box is a negative. The engine makes enough power and the bike does look incredible but it's going to be sold to niche buyers who have the money to spend on it vs a better bike in the same price range. I think it's beautiful, it's just too much money for what you get.

[@markharrison2484]

Saw you guys filming in Chilton Foliat and had a chat with the camera crew. The bikes sounded great.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

There were press rides happening on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I was there Thursday. Hope you waved!

[@markharrison2484]

@@bennettsbikesocial I think I saw the friday bunch. Give me some notice next time, I’ll bring my helmet.

[@Dreddingbath]

Rather nice and clearly aiming at the top end with all those lovely components and (hopefully) build quality. The price buys exclusivity of course, but you can get a very satisfying authentic air cooled experience from Moto Guzzi at half the price, or even less with RE. The T120 starts to look like a bit of bargain too but these are bikes for mere mortals.

[@larrynorsworthy8582]

I've been watching the new Norton for so long, it's almost antique again and still not available.

[@jonathanvince8173]

Well they made a V four it will be interesting. I would like the twin to be like the original Manx 350cc to 500cc Twins and the V4 850cc plus. May be an over 200HP over 200MPH why not a V6 1200cc perhaps make a cruiser type too.

[@bertrandlussier8150]

This bike talk to me much more than any new bikes on the market today. I don't know if they plan to import to Canada though...

[@michaellawrence5492]

Twisting the grip you might say the pulse is felt and song sung directly delivered is a classic sense right to the heart. Thump thump ! I still prefer the classic 360 to a 270 crank.

[@JonseyWales]

I hope they do a 'classic' version, not so fond of the look of the Ohlins and carbon fibre. Master cylinders look naff and add a feeling of cutting corners; I found it hard to take my eyes off them!!

[@a.leemorrisjr.9255]

Norton is back?

[@victorbatres2065]

I would like to buy one. I couldn’t find any Norton dealer in the U.S.

[@allsearpw3829]

NICE BIKE , the only thing that lets it down , the two plastic containers , hung up front , should have been in with stainless covers . Could have done better for the £££££ s . Other wise a fun machine . Just like waring ones best shoes on a Sunday .😉The Triumph , Norton battle of the 50,s AND 60,s lets throw in a BSA and see .🤔 😛

[@DavidSmith-ve5kj]

Are they available in the United States?

[@slacker2101]

Those hydraulic reservoirs look pretty utilitarian, out of character.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

Yes, Christian Gladwell mentioned off camera that they’d be significantly upgraded for future models!

[@KiwiMoto72]

The first thing these guys need to do is make all those customers who are stuck with bikes from the previous ownership happy. They are stuck with bikes that aren't serviceable, and no parts are available...

[@chriscoates2399]

Them pots up on handle bars what !!!!!!

[@airlanggabhumintaraamitaba8363]

Surely Norton has its own class , but If I were right, this Commsndo model iscstill using bulb ? Not LED ? Correct me of I am wrong Why ? I mean LED is affordable and can be applied easily

[@annsolly5694]

Can two people fit on this bike

[@roberthocking9138]

The first thing I would observe is the cheap plastic brake fluid reservoirs right up on the handlebars where you can see them.! For 17000 quid I would expect they could make an alloy cover to hide them a little. I would love another Norton, but at $30,000 odd AUS dollars, it won’t be any time soon.

[@ianloram2770]

It sounds like Norton have been through the original 961 with many parts changed and saying it is so much better. However I cannot understand with this high quality looking bike that they only offer the same 2 year warrantee with the bike. Royal Enfield, Triumph etc give a three year warrantee which would give peace of mind after the many issues riders of 961 have experienced in the past. At least the sound has been retained and looks great.

[@johnmooney7213]

Air and oil cooled in a 2023 release date. Can Norton confirm this engine will be Euro 5 and upcoming Euro 6 compliant ? The bikes look nice, but has form been held in ascendancy over function in some critical areas for everyday and all weather riding ? Some things which come to mind are. (1) Oil change.... Would one have to remove both headers and mufflers to drain the oil and change the oil filter. (2) The headers and possibly the side stand where they go underneath the engine appear to me to compromise ground clearance if you are going over speed humps. (3) The front mudguard would be useless in any rain or on slushy roads to protect the motor and rider. I could go on, but that would be too "picky" of me to spoil a very commendable effort by TVS to resurrect a great british motorcycle marque.

[@kevanmillar6439]

Would like to know what the 36% improvements were

[@bennettsbikesocial]

We were told that 36% of the engine's components were revised, re-engineered or replaced, inc. gear mechanism, cam shafts, cam chains and crank case.

[@bambangfsuryadi]

Any relationship with NORTON COMMANDER?

[@777Ruffdriver]

Looks a very nice bike I was waiting for you to say how it handles and the power delivery.

[@checker3694]

Manufacturers cherry pick certain journalists that are safe for them on launches, and are not critical.

[@chhindz]

I could more relate to how it compares to early 70s (1972), commando which I had from new for 40 years. (by a person who has extensively ridden one)

[@greyanaroth]

You have to respect the build quality and the absolutely MINT components on a retro bike. Earlier, the thruxton r was the only such bike you could realistically buy that had such bling. I hope they do a bigger engine size hitting that magic 120bhp figure and it would be the retro to buy, for me at least.

[@jimsadler8704]

A superb pair of motorcycles, but why do so many premium bike manufacturers use the cheap and nasty looking brake/clutch fluid reservoirs?

[@markmorris8177]

is it still a Snort'en Norton

[@Ian-bq7gp]

Keeping it simple yet totally revising the quality, reliability without making it a souless ride is great. A new Norton based on this engine and for adventure touring would be a great idea too. Simple servicing, less electronics and bomb proof despatch rider type reliability with maybe a lower spec cheaper rolling chassis with nissin brakes and basic forks with hagon or girling or Nitron rear shocks with 2 into 1 stainless exhaust and basic front forks and cheaper wheels and grease nipples for steering head and swing arm bushes and shrouds and protection like gaiters and good air flow for engine cooling and sump bash plates and crash barson an adventure bike as options means buyers could design a bespoke machine of goodvalue that would suit their purpose for their bike.

[@cpuuk]

Possibly they need to fit a bigger tank though. I seem to remember Suzuki nostalgia Katana had a too small a tank which no one bought because of that. Of course people doing the Sunday latte run may be fine with the range. Looks pukka.

[@Faithinthedock]

I've been a pretty big supporter of Norton and I think this bike is decent if not earth shattering. Clearly the build is mostly very good (I hear the ignition barrel / switch is a touch naff) and I'd have great confidence in it being reliable and a dependable steed. I find the move to silver from the chrome colour scheme a bit underwhelming and with all the investment / redevelopment, losing 3bhp on the previous version diminishes the appeal somewhat. I think with the suspension, weight and price, 100bhp would really be a minimum target. It's very good but first impressions are just a little flat if I'm honest.

[@chriscarbaugh3936]

Agreed need 100 hp.

[@ericlemonnier2187]

Surtout que la Triumph truxton 1200 RS sort 105cv pour-de 18000euros

[@barryporteous4904]

I think the brake fluid reservoirs are for machines with fairings which hide them. After all that work making a very attractive machine, a small change to built in reservoirs would be better.....just saying!

[@Shinysideup]

Look beautiful but too expensive, why would you by one when you have the speed twin at under £12k. I’d consider one at 14k if the build quality was as good as Norton say it is.

[@nickashton5242]

love nortons ,had a few but would by a speed twin 1200 not 961

[@athewake]

Love the Nortons of yesteryear, BUT why are these Nasty looking Brake and clutch hydraulic reservoirs sticking up looking ..... what can I say ..Nasty

[@davetaylor4741]

If nothing else they are pretty bikes. Agree with the comment about the cheap looking reservoirs. Prefer the manx colours and probably the SP. By the time they get to Oz they will be several squillion dollars and strictly for the well healed. Norton used to be a brand for the masses so far in either of the last iterations they have been exclusively for the elite. Triumph the same to a point. The Enfields have found a mark with a range that the average working man can afford. You wouldn't expect MV to make a cheap commuter they are a niche brand. But brands like Norton, Triumph and the once biggest selling brand BSA it would be nice to return to their roots and sell daily riders you just jump on and go to work on. I do own a Triumph which is a Sprint/Triple. A T509 Speed Triple mated with a 2000 955cc Sprint. I made it up myself from broken and crashed bikes. No way I could afford a new one. The more gizmo's and anti pollution crap these bikes get on them the dearer they are. The motorcycle when I was a kid was the cheaper alternative to a car. Not anymore. For the price of this new Norton I could buy a lot of car that ultimately is way more practical. The bike has become a rich man's weekend play thing.

[@projectg408]

That’s a beautiful machine. I know it’s not perfect in every way, but I like it.

[@davidpalk5010]

Vaseline pots on the bars look well naff, innit?

[@Tijn1972]

Cool bike, would love to own one. I do have one remark….as I understand it has a 270 degree crank, so strictly speaking it is not a parallel twin. 🤔

[@josephlarmor550]

I get the feeling that a lot of these will be bought just to have and to look at. Actually riding it will be an optional extra.

[@janiet6412]

Helo. For me is absolutely perfect this Norton Commando 961. Hewever I'm wainting for acceptable price even with exceptionnal product. But Commando must be concurrential with, for exemple, the cm3 from Italy and even Japan in my opinion.

[@jwill9637]

I would love to buy a 2024 500 Manx single. Modern electrics with electric start, fuel injected (only because the fresh crew of mechanics, in my neck of the woods, don't know the first thing regarding carburetors.)

[@bazthejazz]

Yes, I agree with several comments below - they need to lose those cheap brake reservoirs that look like they contain urine for something a little more discreet.

[@saveukraine7994]

Absolute dream bike 😮

[@TimBarwell]

In reality the marketing guy should of told the truth he wants it to be so good the customer is willing to pay 3 grand more than it's worth. It's a beautiful bike love it needs a 6th gear.

[@roysmith3374]

Good review! I hope this is the start of bringing back an icon.

[@OSOFLHP]

I will own a t shirt, many years since I’ve had my commando still love the brand,

[@thedandybiker684]

Is it a new engine? I thought Garner sold of the 961 engine tooling and rights to the Chinese company Jinlang? Or are Norton buying the engine back from the Chinese?

[@rover100bunson]

yes i wondered the same, do chinese get royalties?

[@TR5T]

If I need anything for my 1200 Thruxton I can ride 4 miles, or 40 miles or 65 miles to a dealer. If I had the 961??? 2800 miles.

[@ThorgalsWalhalla]

i have never heard of this... but the bike looks awesome!

[@eddieandrews3335]

Personally I would prefer down the side pipes, single disc front and proper reservoirs than those urine sample pots. I mean the hard work was done back in the 50's 60's so I don't see what's so technically difficult about it. And I have no doubt they'll be asking a ridiculous price using the Norton name.

[@Geshmaal]

Is a Royal Enfield 650 worth it at 50% the price of a Bonneville? Maybe. Is this bike worth it at 50% more? Not sure tbh. I think Norton are a bit removed from the zeitgeist to still be going premium and should really try and give newer riders a reason to be interested.

[@mallen1846]

Sounds and looks beautiful and finally an approachable price point. Any news about availability plan for the US?